If your child has fallen and hit his back, you probably want to see a doctor for a checkup. Back pain can be troubling, but it’s not always easy to determine if your child has a back injury. Here are some tips to help you figure out whether or not your child needs to see a doctor.
How do I know if my child has a back injury?
There are many signs that your child may have a back injury. These signs include loss of feeling in the legs or feet, blood in the urine, pain passing urine, and fever. In these cases, it is important to call 911 or schedule an appointment with a doctor.
Most back injuries in children occur from falls, sports injuries, or other unusual strains. These symptoms usually include pain, pins and needles, and numbness. Children may also develop curvature of the spine. If these symptoms continue for more than a week, a trip to the doctor may be necessary.
During a consultation, a doctor will ask questions about the injury and the child’s general health. A physical examination will also show any unusual features of the back, such as curvature and muscle wasting. The doctor will also check for signs of nerve injury or weakness. Imaging tests may also be ordered, if needed.
What should I do if my child falls on his back?
If your child falls on his back, the first thing to do is to pick him up and check his injuries. Many falls cause only minor injuries, so do not panic. You may not need to take him to the doctor right away, but you should be prepared to do so if you are unsure.
If you believe your child has broken a bone, you should take him to a hospital or a facility with an x-ray unit. If your child is unconscious, call 911. In addition to getting x-rays, your child may need some special monitoring. Your child’s doctor will let you know what you need to do.
If you are unsure about the condition of your child, try to keep an eye on him for at least 24 hours. You should visit a doctor if you notice any of these signs: crying, confusion, or irritability. If your child doesn’t seem to be getting better, you should take him to the doctor immediately.
When should you get a back injury checked?
If your child has a back injury, he or she should see a doctor for a thorough evaluation. During the initial examination, the doctor will ask a series of questions and look for unusual features, such as a curvature of the spine or muscle wasting. He or she will also check the child’s posture, walking gait, and reflexes. If the doctor detects a problem, he or she may order further tests, including an X-ray.
If your child is displaying persistent back pain, you should take him or her to a doctor’s office immediately. If the pain is not relieved after a few days, it may be a sign of a more serious spinal problem that needs surgical intervention. The pain might not respond to common pain treatments, such as NSAID pain relievers.
While it may be tempting to ignore a child’s back injury, you should always make an appointment with a doctor. Regardless of the severity of the injury, the doctor will evaluate your child’s condition and recommend appropriate treatment.
When should I worry about back pain after a fall?
Although most back pain will go away on its own after two to three days, it can last up to two weeks or longer. If your pain is persistent, seek medical attention. Your doctor will be able to diagnose the source of your pain and prescribe treatment. Getting medical help is the best way to prevent your back pain from getting worse.
If your back pain is persistent, it may be a sign of a more serious problem. It can indicate a fracture, nerve damage, or infection. You may also feel numbness or tingling in your legs. This pain could be so severe that it interferes with your daily activities.
Although acute back injuries are relatively minor, you should seek medical attention if your pain is severe and makes it difficult to walk or stand up. While most back injuries heal with time, it is important to get proper medical attention to avoid serious consequences. The first phase of treatment involves relieving pain and spasm. This may include rest, ice packs, compression, and over-the-counter NSAIDs. You may also need to visit a physical therapist to learn how to perform exercises for back pain.
How do you rule out a spinal injury?
When you notice bruising or tingling on the back, it is important to rule out a spinal injury. This injury can result in a fractured vertebra or a spinal cord injury. If you suspect a spinal cord injury, you need emergency medical attention at the scene. A spine x-ray can reveal a fractured vertebra or spinal cord. A CT scan will provide a more detailed picture of the spinal cord.
If X-rays have not detected any spinal cord injuries, a CT scan or magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) may be ordered. These imaging procedures use a powerful magnetic field and radio waves to create computer-generated images of the spine and other parts of the body. These exams may also reveal a blood clot or spinal mass. A neurological exam may also be performed to determine the level and extent of the injury. The doctor may ask you to test muscle strength and test the child’s ability to feel light or pinprick sensations.
When you are evaluating a child back injury, it is important to rule out a spinal injury. The likelihood of a spinal cord injury depends on the location of the injury and the history of the incident. A child who has been in an automobile accident, for example, is more likely to suffer a vertebral body compression fracture. In such cases, the fracture may also result in deformity.
Can a child pull a back muscle?
A pulled muscle in the back can occur during a variety of activities. It is easy to diagnose, and symptoms will typically subside in 4 to 6 weeks. However, if the muscle is completely torn, it can take several months to fully heal. Fortunately, there are several treatments that can help relieve the pain and accelerate healing.
Early diagnosis is important because some causes of back pain in children are more serious than others. Typically, back pain in children is caused by sports injuries, falls, and unusual strains. These injuries can involve pulled muscles, strained ligaments, or bruising. Most cases of back pain in children go away on their own without any special treatment.
Muscular back pain in children is more common in active children, and is often the result of overuse or a strain. Physical activity and physical therapy will usually help the symptoms go away. Massage, stretching, and yoga can also help. If back pain persists after resting for a few days, a physical therapist can offer a variety of treatments, including ice treatments and chiropractic treatments.
When should I take my child to ER for fall?
While you might be tempted to rush your child to the ER after a fall, you need to be patient. You will need to watch your child closely for bruising and swelling. Also, keep an eye out for any red flags, such as vomiting, a slowed pulse, and night awakenings. In some cases, your child may also develop amnesia or a change in vision or hearing.
Children are curious by nature and are still learning how to control their bodies, so falls happen. While most children are able to laugh it off, some falls require medical attention. While most minor injuries can be easily treated with a visit to a doctor, infants and toddlers are more sensitive and need specialized medical care.
Falls are common among all age groups, but are particularly dangerous for babies. Therefore, it is important for parents to learn how to respond to an injury when a child falls. Many parents will panic and try to pick up the child before assessing the injury, but doing so may make the injury worse.